MONTREAL – A passionate collector’s dream of opening a museum to house his extensive collection of Jules Verne related artifacts was brought to life by the design firm FOR. aided greatly by bespoke cabinetry and millwork manufactured by Chagall Cabinetmakers.

The end result is Île Mystérieuse, named after the Jules Verne novel (The Mysterious Island) detailing the tragic end of his famous Captain Nemo. In addition to displaying more than 300 artifacts acquired at auctions and estate sales over the years, Île Mystérieuse includes a restaurant-lounge and boutique.

Highlights of the Jules Verne-inspired complex include:

• A curtain-wall extension, housing the mini-museum and boutique impresses with its large exterior custom-made fresco depicting Captain Nemo's poignant death on Mysterious Island.
• The restaurant's entrance is similarly distinguished by a giant backlit map of the island, while a bay window and porthole portray maritime scenes and sea creatures.
• Inside, visitors are immersed in a 19th-century cigar lounge atmosphere, where Jules Verne first editions, works of art, and ship models are displayed like a cabinet of curiosities. Rattan furniture, coffered walls, and cabinetry details reminiscent of old china cabinets further evoke the essence of the period.
• Captain Nemo’s journey in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea inspired a large circular bar and staircase, all in bronze mesh and illuminated with fixtures propelling a beam of light. The resulting imagery is reminiscent of a submarine descending into the aquatic vortex. 

Featured throughout all of these captivating settings is the custom woodwork created by Chagall’s craftsmen. The St. Jules, Quebec-based company is fluent in the mix and match of architectural building products including wood veneer and laminate, metal, Corian, glass and acrylic.